C. W. Andreics — On Dlnornis maximus. 397 



Length of skull 



Length of basis cranii ... 

 Width at ]iaroccipital processes . . . 

 ,, temporal fossae 

 ,, squamosal prominences 

 ,, postorhital processes ... 

 Distance between temporal ridges 

 Greatest length of premaxilla . . . 

 "Width of body of premaxilla ... 

 "Width of lower end of quadrate 

 Length of mandibular ramus 

 Greatest depth of mandibular ramus 

 Length of symphysis 



mm. 



227 

 47 

 93 

 69 



107 



133 

 42 



144 

 72 

 40 



209 

 25 

 31 



In the skeleton as mounted there are only twenty true cervical 

 vertebree, and of these the fifth and seventh have been restored in 

 plaster. The atlas is abnormal, there being no bony bridges over 

 the vertebral arteries. There is a large median hgemapophysis 

 on the last cervical and on the four succeeding vertebrse, and 

 a trace of it on the fifth. The neural spine of the last cervical, 

 like those of the vertebree behind it, is not bifid. There are two 

 or three cervico-dorsals and three or four free dorsals ; of the 

 cervico-dorsals the second has been restored. The presence of only 

 twenty cervicals instead of twenty-one may be accounted for by 

 the probable loss of one of the anterior cervicals. 



The sternum of this specimen was unfortunately broken into 

 many fragments, but has been, as far as possible, mended and 

 restored in plaster. Although many pieces were missing, its 

 general outline is probably as nearly as possible correct, and it is 

 interesting to note that it difiers in several respects from the 

 sternum referred to this species by Owen (" Extinct Birds of 

 New Zealand," pp. 415-16, pi. xcviii), being relatively narrower, 

 and having less divergent postero-lateral processes and an unbifur- 

 cated xiphisternum ; the last-mentioned feature, however, is not 

 quite certain, this region being very imperfect. There are facets for 

 the articulation of two pairs of ribs. Both coraco-scapulge are 

 preserved. 



The pelvis, which was in a very good state of preservation, presents 

 no important peculiarity. 



The bones of the hind limbs are perfect with the exception of the 

 hind toes, of which only one claw is preserved, and the inner toe of 

 the right foot. 



Some measurements of this specimen are given below : — 





ft. 



in. 



Total height as mounted 



8 



6 



Height to top of pelvis 



5 



7 



Length of femur 



1 



of 



Length of tibio -tarsus 



2 



71 



Length of tarso-metatarsus 



1 



7 



"Width of distal end of tarso-metatarsu5 







6i 



Length of middle toe 







11 



